Keeping a Safe Home for Your Children

A lot of potentially hazardous items exist in our homes that can cause dangerous situations for our children. Some are things that you might not even think about because it’s so common. Now, this article isn’t meant to scare you, but rather to help you ensure your child’s safety in your home.

A home should be a safe place. So, Helping Hand Videos, a couple that presents workplace safety training videos, has helped us compile this list of ways to keep your home safe for your children.

Falls

Even if you live in a one-story home, a small child can find a way to hurt themselves in a fall. The best thing you can do is observe your child and see what their capabilities are when it comes to climbing into high places.

Place guards up to block stairways and balconies.

Lock windows if they are able to open them (or if you’re not sure).

Use nightlights in the hallways to prevent children from tripping on their nightly bathroom ventures.

Burns

Hot drinks are harmful, especially for babies. Keep hot drinks out of the reach of small children and test the temperature of a hot drink before handing it to your child.

Test the temperature of the bathtub. Children and babies are more sensitive to hot temperatures, so mix some cold water in with the tub for a nice warm bath – not too hot.

Water Safety

The best protection for your child when it comes to water safety is supervision. Watch your child when they are in the bath, pool, creek, lake, or even playing in a bucket of water. Its difficult to determine our child’s abilities while amongst water until older in age, so keeping a close eye is key.

Electrical Safety

There are definitely plenty of hazards when it comes to electronics at home. These tips will help you make your home a little safer in the electrical department:

If you have old or wearing electrical appliances and cords, replace them.

Use covers on electrical outlets.

Unplug small appliances and keep out of reach of small children.

Poison

Chemicals and cleaners are common in every home, but it is important to keep them in a place where a child can’t consume them.

Store potentially hazardous materials in a locked cabinet

Put child safety locks on cupboards and cabinets with cleaners and medicine in them

Get rid of hazardous chemicals that aren’t absolutely necessary. Use natural cleaners.

Suffocation

Many everyday items could cause strangulation or suffocation – blankets, blinds, cords, bags, and boxes to name a few. Take care to show your child how to properly use these items.

Keep toys and extra cushions and blankets off of beds. Leave only the essentials.

Attach blinds cords to hooks in the wall high enough that your child can’t reach them.

Keep plastic bags out of reach and tie knots in them.

These are just some simple safety precautions you can take in your home to ensure a safe place for your child.